For many years, trend forecasts have predicted more hybrid working between home and the office, and it turns out that they were correct – the process has merely been expedited by the arrival of a worldwide epidemic.
Despite the fact that the epidemic is easing due to vaccinations, masks, and increased immunity, many firms are persisting with the mixed work paradigm. Millions of people will now be able to accomplish their jobs in hybrid models, thanks to contemporary IT infrastructure that allows for collaboration and video conferencing to keep dispersed teams linked.
The combination of multiple technologies, platforms, and tools, particularly in the home office setting, is a big part of supporting this method of work, though IT infrastructure, internet speeds, and telecommunications may not be as good as those found in a serviced business office.
For firms that use hybrid working, establishing an efficient communications infrastructure that can enhance the employee experience while working outside the office should be a top focus.
There will always be new things to learn as we transition to a different style of working than we have all done for many decades, but IT can assist in a smooth transition.
Hybrid groups
In today’s hybrid working environment, sharing and collaborating on papers with colleagues, video meetings, and project management tools shared with distant team members are all essential.
Today’s hybrid employees rely on technology more than ever before, but simply providing access to the most up-to-date technologies isn’t enough to help hybrid employees. Working alone outside of the office can make learning new tools and systems may be time consuming and challenging.
Employers should consider if new technology is really essential before purchasing it. While they may want to demonstrate to hybrid workers that they are investing in technology to aid them, they must be cautious of it having the reverse effect and complicating matters. It can be more effective to adapt current tools and technology to hybrid working needs in certain circumstances.
Another objective should be to closely imitate the office setting in the home office so that employees smoothly transfer between the two locations.
Employee IT rights
When you’re attempting to resolve IT difficulties so remote employees can get back to work, it’s easy to neglect procedures. Even if you’re concerned about downtime, it’s important to manage IT privileges to maintain safety. Your IT security policy should be set up such that only a few workers have the authority to make substantial changes.
When this security safeguard is disregarded, the chance of an insider attack and harm to the IT systems increases dramatically. It’s obvious that making such a choice increases vulnerabilities significantly and should be avoided.
In this case, using a remote desktop service is the best option. While there may still be some delays in addressing problems, it will be significantly safer. An IT team member may remotely resolve the problems, reducing the risk of a security breach.
Invest in training
If you determine that new technologies are needed to help with hybrid working, you should train your IT staff who will be utilising the tools. To accommodate people who work more flexible hours, you can consider increasing helpdesk hours and the communication options available for IT assistance for remote workers.
Another example of how to better assist remote employees and decrease downtime spent waiting for help is to use system monitoring software to enable early notice of possible difficulties.
About EC-MSP, your IT support partner
EC-MSP are one of the most trusted IT support providers in London. If you would like more help advice and support with technology for your business, contact us today to see how we can help.
